In 2026, the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. All eyes will be on Philadelphia as we recognize the historic events that occurred here in 1776. The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to be a part of PHILADELPHIA250 , the nonprofit organizing the City of Philadelphia’s 250th, and its growing… continue reading Get Ready: 2026 Starts Now!
By written by Janine P. April 8, 2022
Spring symbolizes resurrection. The awakening from Winter into new birth, new spirit, new possibilities. During April 2022 - Jazz Appreciation Month , Philadelphia Jazz Project in collaboration with the Free Library of Philadelphia's Music Department are featuring three amazing shows, two of which are at the Parkway Central Library! Big… continue reading Enjoy Philly Celebrates Jazz Month at the Free Library!
By written by Perry G. April 8, 2022
“La poesía es un espacio de libertad/ Poetry is a space of freedom”. Carlos José Pérez Sámano, Mexican poet and writer Poetry explores the language and its limitations. It’s a way to get closer to reality. The poet invents diverse forms of expressions. The words, phrases, and sentences weave visual… continue reading The lyrical speaker: Finding your own voice through poetry!
By written by Mary Marques April 7, 2022
by Spencer Duncan, Digital Equity Vista at the Office of Innovation and Technology Helping Philadelphians get access to devices is a key goal in Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Plan . Experts say that “insufficient access to large-screen devices—desktops, laptops, or tablets—can have negative consequences for people of all… continue reading Find free or low-cost laptops and computers
By written by Administrator April 7, 2022 3
April showers, as they say, bring May flowers, and we’ll be very glad to see them this year! But what else does April bring? It’s National Poetry Month , and there are so many ways to celebrate poetry! Get to know Philadelphia’s current Poet Laureates , including the award-winning poet and scholar Airea D. Matthews and Youth… continue reading In April, Every Day Is a Poem!
By written by Emily S. April 6, 2022 2
It should come as no surprise that libraries are one of my favorite places in the whole wide world! Wherever I go, I always have to check out the local public library! I always feel welcomed and lucky to be in a place filled with books. But what do you do when there are no libraries near you? Thank goodness for traveling… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Bookmobile Day
By written by Monica C. April 6, 2022 1
Ah, Spring, that magical season when a young person's mind turns to thoughts of friendship, feelings, and free verse. No wonder April is Poetry Month! Here in Philadelphia, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer; buds, birds, and blooms begin to appear and creativity begins to stir in many minds. There are more… continue reading Novels-In-Verse Recommendations for Poetry Month
By written by Jeff B. April 5, 2022
"We are books. We are these vessels of information, stories, inspiration, love." — Mieka Moody, librarian and One Book selection committee member Reflecting on 20 years of the One Book, One Philadelphia program, we are truly so excited for what will come in the next decades, including what we'll be reading and all the ways… continue reading Watch 20 Years of One Book, One Philadelphia
By written by Brittanie S. April 5, 2022
It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year— National Library Week ! This year's theme is "Connect with your Library," celebrating libraries as places to connect to technology as well as with media, programs, classes, ideas, and most importantly, with each other. Founded in 1958, this annual celebration is a time to… continue reading Happy National Library Week!
By written by Kate C. April 4, 2022
Note: the use of "deaf" versus "Deaf" in this blog post is intentional. Deaf refers to the community and culture, while the lowercase deaf refers to the physical act of not being able to hear. Deaf Culture has a rich and storied history, from the evolution of American Sign Language to residential schools, and the… continue reading Deaf History Month 2022
By written by Shelley R. April 4, 2022
Happy spring, Philadelphia! It’s time to go out and work on our gardens – in our yards, balconies, or community gardens! Let’s all get our hands dirty with soil and bring beauty and sustenance into the world and all around us. Here are some books for inspiration: Miguel’s community garden by Janay Brown-Wood;… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Gardening
By written by Monica C. March 29, 2022
This April, our children and teen titles explore curiosity and adventure while our adult selections are taking us into complicated realms, a little something for everyone as we move farther into spring! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) How to Say Hello to a Worm: A Very First Guide to Outside by Kari Percival Say "hello" to worms,… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in April!
By written by Rachel F. March 29, 2022
Planting a garden, spring cleaning, rediscovering the outdoors. Spring is the season of growth and renewal. What better time to think about launching a career! Everyone has the potential for a career. You don’t have to just “find a job.” A job is any paid work. But a career means building a profession over the long term. It… continue reading Ahh spring, the perfect time to…launch a career!
By written by Margaret T. March 28, 2022 1
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a wonderful time to delve into some of the previously untold history of the women of our world. Did you know that recent archaeological discoveries in the Americas have turned the ‘Man the Hunter’ assumption on its head? Or that the legend of the Amazon warriors is based on… continue reading What's New in Women's History
By written by Emily S. March 25, 2022
Would you like to teach adults to read? There are many people who need this help and very few places where they can get it. The Free Library is dedicated to advancing literacy for all. To this end, the Library's Languages and Learning Center has partnered with "It's Never Too Late," a Philadelphia-based grassroots initiative… continue reading Adults CAN Learn to READ
By written by Rachel H. March 25, 2022
The Free Library has loaned over 11,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and tablets to residents of Philadelphia as part of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Device Lending Program. This program will remain funded through November 30, 2022. Service to devices has been extended to November 29, 2023! The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the… continue reading Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Device Lending Program
By written by Camille T. March 22, 2022 6
![Ashley Bryan, [Untitled Collage from <em>Beautiful Blackbird</em>]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/bryan-blackbird.jpg)
For an artist renowned for his use of color, my first exposure to Ashley Bryan (1923-2022) was the pen and ink drawings in The Dancing Granny . In the 1977 edition published by Atheneum, Mr. Bryan's drawn line captures the movement and the joy that he would later call upon his brilliant skill with color to express. Pouring over that black… continue reading The Vibrancy and Colors of a Great American Artist: Praising Ashley Bryan
By written by Jeff B. March 22, 2022
It’s that wonderful time of year again, when the birds begin to sing and educators, caregivers, and camp leaders start to wonder: what is this summer going to hold? If you’ll be working with Philadelphia kids at an existing summer camp program, we invite you to join the Free Library’s Summer Camp Challenge! All it takes is 60… continue reading Summer Camp Challenge is Back!
By written by Emily S. March 17, 2022
It is impossible to escape the news of war since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Children hear about it too, and may need help understanding such large scale conflicts and its effect on people: the humanitarian crisis it creates throughout the area and the large number of refugees fleeing their homes. Here are some books to help get the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Talking about War
By written by Monica C. March 15, 2022 1
Do you enjoy creating things with your hands, be it simple origami shapes, drawing, painting, baking, or even learning and creating code? There are few better ways to explore your creativity than just letting loose and making whatever your heart tells you to! Your neighborhood library is ready to be your one-stop shop for discovering… continue reading National Children's Craft Day
By written by Jeff B. March 14, 2022
